Cakes and Frostings

Powdered Sugar Pound Cake

Powdered sugar gives this pound cake a slightly more dense feel and provides a lighter character to its sweetness. It also draws out the rich vanilla and almond flavors. We love the subtle differences it makes.

Servings

16-18

Level

Easy

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups (¾ lb.) Challenge European Style Butter, at room temperature
  • 1 pound (3½ cups) unsifted powdered sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2¾ cups sifted cake flour
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Directions

  • 1
    In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
  • 2
    Sift powdered sugar; gradually add to butter, beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • 3
    Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat flour into creamed mixture.
  • 4
    Heavily butter a 10-inch (12-cup) plain or decorative tube pan; add sliced almonds (if used), then tilt pan to coat inside surfaces with nuts. Or butter pan and dust with flour.
  • 5
    Scrape batter into pan and smooth top surface.
  • 6
    Bake in a 300° oven until a slender wooden toothpick inserted in center come out clean, about 1½ hours.
  • 7
    Let cool in pan on a rack for about 5 minutes; run a knife around edges of tube to loosen center of cake, then invert cake onto rack to cool.
  • 8
    Serve warm or cool, cut into thin slices.
  •  !
    If made ahead, store airtight for up to 2 days.